Archimedes was born in Sicily, studied in Alexandria, but
returned to Syracuse in Italy where he spent the rest of
his life.

As a mathematician he came close to invent the calculus,
and as an inventor he made discoveries that had great practical value.
He discovered the laws of the lever and of pulleys, he invented engines
of war and the water screw, and he named the principle of buoyancy
named after him.

When the Romans laid siege to Syracuse he
designed catapults, and made mirrors that focused the sun's rays
on attacking ships and set the ships on fire.